Microsoft is finally ready to do the same, it seems. From Thurrott's post:

"Included in the (Microsoft/Nokia marketing plan) plan are sales incentives for retail workers aimed at getting them to finally start recommending Windows Phone as an alternative to Android and the iPhone. The amount of payments are $10 to $15 per handset sold, depending on the number sold, for some handset models."

I have heard from my contacts similar numbers, along with promises of free Xboxes, car steroes, free pizza Fridays and other sales "incentives" thrown in for good measure.

I am stymied as to why it took Microsoft this long to figure out that these kinds of promos and paybacks are what's required in the phone business. Why not just take some of those Android patent royalty fees the company is busy collecting (rumored to be anywhere from $5 to $15 per handset) and use them to grease a few palms?

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